Snake Bites
Most snakes will not instantly attack you or your pet. They tend to slither away when giving the opportunity. When our pets stumble upon a snake they become curious and want to know more about this long, hissing animal, which usually results in a snake bite. Summer months usually gets us outdoors hiking with our dogs. The hikes we generally find ourselves on are in the middle of snakes habitats. It is best to keep our dogs on a leash while we hike which will help to minimize their encounters with snakes. Keep your dog out of the tall grass and rocky outcrops. Do not let your dog explore holes or dig under rocks or logs. These areas are generally housing some type of snake. If threatened and have no place to go the snake will attack.
Rattlers are nocturnal so hiking in the daytime will help to decrease your chances of encountering this poisonous snake, but others such as copperheads can be found during the day. The best way to protect you and your pet from snakes is to keep your pets close during hikes and walks. Keep your pets in an area that is less likely to be home to snakes.
If you see a snake and it sees you, it would be best to back away slowly, most snakes can only strike a distance that is half it's body length. Snakes are not looking to attack people or pets, but when they are cornered or feel that there life is in danger they will. Don't let you pet examine dead snakes or "road kill" snakes. Some snakes, such as copperheads, have muscle contractions after death and have been known to "bite" after they are dead.
If your pet has been bitten by a snake, it is best to get medical attention quickly. It is better to have your animal checked over than to wait it out and find yourself with a pet that cannot recover. The general course of treatment will be cortisone injections and antibiotics. Your animal may need to spend some time in the hospital on fluids if the bite is severe. If you are able to identify the snake that bit your pet inform the veterinarian as that will aid in their course of treatments. In our area of Northwest Arkansas the copperhead snake is one of the most common.
